Desmin mediates TNF-alpha-induced aggregate formation and intercalated disk reorganization in heart failure.

We explored the involvement of the muscle-specific intermediate filament protein desmin in the model of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced cardiomyopathy. We demonstrate that in mice overexpressing TNF-alpha in the heart (alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter-driven secretable TNF-alpha [MHCsTNF]), desmin is modified, loses its intercalated disk (ID) localization, and forms aggregates that colocalize with heat shock protein 25 and ubiquitin. Additionally, other ID proteins such as desmoplakin and beta-catenin show similar localization changes in a desmin-dependent fashion.

Cloning and Tissue Specific Expression of the Axolotl Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein: (CRABP gene/Axolotl/Retinoic acid binding protein).

The CRABP gene encodes a cellular retinoic acid binding protein which is believed to mediate the teratogenic and pattern altering effects of retinoic acid (RA) on developing and regenerating systems. As a first step in examining the role of CRABP in transducing the effects of RA in the regenerating urodele limb, we have isolated with PCR three partial cDNAs which encode the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) cellular retinoic acid binding protein (aCRABP) and analyzed its expression in various tissues by Northern analysis. Sequence analysis of the clones revealed a high degree of nucleotide and deduced amino acid homology with mammalian and avian CRABP I, showing the highest homology with mouse CRABP I (79% & 85%, respectively).